Burundi has made a landmark move in public health by introducing the malaria vaccine into its routine immunization programme, a development poised to dramatically reduce the incidence of malaria in the country and save thousands of young lives. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with global partners including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Dalberg, marks a critical milestone in the nation’s battle against one of its most persistent and deadly diseases. The official launch event, held in Mpanda District, was graced by Burundi’s First Lady, Her Excellency Angeline Ndayishimiye, highlighting the national importance placed on this lifesaving intervention.
The rollout of the vaccine follows the January arrival of 544,000 doses of the RTS,S malaria vaccine, which was earlier approved by the Burundian Medicines and Food Regulatory Authority (ABREMA). With malaria being endemic in Burundi and posing an especially high risk during peak transmission seasons between April and June, the introduction of the vaccine comes at a time when the country is striving to curb one of the leading causes of death and illness. In 2023, Burundi recorded a malaria incidence of 399.1 cases per 1,000 inhabitants, underscoring the widespread impact of the disease on its population. Tragically, malaria accounted for over 20% of all medical consultations last year and was responsible for nearly 60% of hospital deaths in 2021.
Children under the age of five bear the brunt of the malaria burden, with 46% of all malaria cases in 2023 occurring in this age group. Out of more than 4.8 million malaria cases reported that year, over 2.2 million were among young children, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions. This context has galvanized partners like UNICEF, which has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring equitable access to the vaccine and broader health services for all children, especially the most vulnerable. Ensuring that children have a healthy start in life is central to the objectives of this vaccine campaign.
Burundi’s Minister of Public Health and AIDS Prevention, Dr. Lydwine Baradahana, emphasized the country’s dedication to ending child mortality from malaria, stating that the vaccine introduction represents not only a health priority but a symbol of hope for a future free from preventable deaths. This sentiment was echoed by Gavi’s Senior Country Manager, Mario Jimenez, who noted that Burundi is now among 17 African nations to integrate the malaria vaccine into its national immunization programme. The move is expected to ease the burden on the health system and offer substantial relief to families.
UNICEF’s France Bégin lauded the historic significance of the moment, underscoring the organization’s support in vaccine distribution, maintenance of cold chain systems, and community engagement. WHO’s representative in Burundi, Dr. Xavier Crespin, noted that alongside existing malaria control measures like mosquito net distribution and indoor spraying, the vaccine would significantly bolster efforts to reduce malaria-related illness and death, especially among children aged six to eighteen months, who are most vulnerable.
Dalberg’s Africa Director, Lillian Kidane, commended the Ministry of Health for its commitment and professionalism, highlighting the role of partnerships in achieving this public health milestone. Preparation for the vaccine’s introduction involved extensive support from Gavi, WHO, UNICEF, Dalberg, and others, including health worker training using innovative tools in local languages, development of implementation strategies, and enhancement of vaccine storage infrastructure.
The malaria vaccine is part of a broader effort to combat the disease through a multi-pronged approach, combining it with proven interventions like insecticide-treated nets, indoor spraying, and seasonal malaria chemoprevention. When implemented together, these strategies have the potential to reduce malaria cases by over 90% in areas with high seasonal transmission, offering new hope to communities across Burundi in the fight against this deadly disease.
